Brussels Sprouts

[cariann88]

Just a quick question.

This is the 1st year for me growing sprouts. I am growing Wellington Brussels sprouts. I have just planted out my sprouts and have noticed that the stem is growing purple. Is this normal?

[Bigmallly]

That's perfectly fine & looks healthy.

[cariann88]

Oh good. Thought something was wrong with it because the other 5 don't have a purple stem.
Well I do have 12 sprouts but 6 of them have grown really good while the others are just a little bigger then when I bought them.

[Bigmallly]

They're a long term plant, you'll be picking them in winter..............

[cariann88]

They're a long term plant, you'll be picking them in winter..............

I am going to sound stupid now saying this. But what you mean long term? That they take awhile to grow?

[Bigmallly]

Yes, they will be in the ground for a few months.

[cariann88]

Ah right. Do they produce loads on one plant?

[veggiechicken]

They'll end up looking like this - though these aren't Wellington.

You should be picking them from about November to February
So they're in the ground for a long time.
Lots of info in the GYO Growing Guide Growing Brussels Sprouts | How To Grow | Grow Your Own

[Bigmallly]

The bottom ones will be the first to be picked.

[cariann88]

They'll end up looking like this - though these aren't Wellington.

You should be picking them from about November to February
So they're in the ground for a long time.
Lots of info in the GYO Growing Guide Growing Brussels Sprouts | How To Grow | Grow Your Own

Thanks, I am growing them for my family and boyfriend who like them. So will have plenty for them over christmas

[Florence Fennel]

They look good cari When you plant them in the ground, make sure you firm them in really, really well - they grow big so love being firm in the ground.

[cariann88]

They look good cari When you plant them in the ground, make sure you firm them in really, really well - they grow big so love being firm in the ground.

Thanks FF. I will do. Only put 2 out at the moment. Going to put the rest of them out this weekend.

[Richard Eldritch]

They look fine. I'd sprinkle some lime around your sprouts and don't spare the high Nitrogen feed. In side those little sprouts are a lot of greenery and they're hungry plants. Also put some canes next to them to stop the plant rocking in the wind and make sure they're really well firmed in. As has been said they take ages, expect to eating in Winter.
PS Once they're all gone cut off the top and eat that like greens. It's the best bit, In my not so humble opinion......

PPs net them to stop white cabbage butterfly laying eggs or they'll scoff the lot.....

[cariann88]

They look fine. I'd sprinkle some lime around your sprouts and don't spare the high Nitrogen feed. In side those little sprouts are a lot of greenery and they're hungry plants. Also put some canes next to them to stop the plant rocking in the wind and make sure they're really well firmed in. As has been said they take ages, expect to eating in Winter.
PS Once they're all gone cut off the top and eat that like greens. It's the best bit, In my not so humble opinion......

PPs net them to stop white cabbage butterfly laying eggs or they'll scoff the lot.....

Thanks I will do

[Florence Fennel]

Watch out for whitefly too - growing borage in the vicinity of the sprout plants helps with this problem.